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We are delighted to welcome the Great Tapestry of Scotland to Stirling Castle as part of its national tour. It is officially the largest embroidered tapestry in the world and tells the story of Scotland’s history.

Historic Scotland launches 2012 Event Programme

7 March 2012

Historic Scotland is celebrating the start of this year’s visitor season by announcing its packed programme of exciting events.

Scotland’s finest heritage attractions will play host to a variety of entertaining events from jousting at Linlithgow Palace to medieval mayhem at Caerlaverock Castle and spectacular historic re-enactments across the centuries at Fort George from the marching soldiers of the Roman period to the fighting troops of the 20th century.

At castles, palaces and abbeys throughout Scotland, visitors will be transported back to days gone by and will come face to face with the people of the past through all of history’s eras. Hundreds of costumed performers and re-enactors will be portraying characters including Iron Age hunters, Roman soldiers, kings, queens and courtiers, Jacobites and Redcoats, Renaissance nobles, knights on horseback, and WWI servicemen.

“Last year’s events were very popular and with many people choosing to take a staycation this year, they provide a great day out for all the family to find out about Scotand’s history and heritage in an exciting and entertaining way.

“Nothing can beat the excitement of witnessing dramatic battle re-enactments, hearing the clash of swords, the thunder of hooves and the roar of musket fire. Our programme also features drama, comedy, music and dance with events which showcase the splendour of Renaissance courtly life, to musical performances and living history cameos.”

This year’s events programme, which supports the Year of Creative Scotland 2012, kicks off with an Enchanted Easter at Stirling Castle on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th April, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. You will be able to meet a 1,000 year old wizard, watch spectacular jugglers and jocular jesters and learn all about James 1V’s personal alchemist who tried to fly from the castle walls. The event is included in the admission price.

The events range from very large-scale, dramatic shows featuring hundreds of performers to more intimate living history presentations featuring perhaps just one historic character.

There are lots of fun activities for children, from storytelling sessions to dressing up in period costumes and puppet shows. Hands-on activities give them the chance to try their hand at skills, games and crafts from the past, giving them an interactive way to learn about Scotland’s great history and heritage

If you love the outdoors, the Rangers Service has activities all year round with a variety of fun, interactive, nature-focused activities for kids and their parents to enjoy.

Most of the daytime events are included in the normal admission price for the attraction so they offer excellent value for a memorable family day out. And becoming a Historic Scotland member – which works out at less than £7 a month for families – means that visitors can experience nearly all of the programme’s daytime events for free.

Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament. For more information visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

The Year of Creative Scotland begins on January 1, 2012 and will spotlight and celebrate Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage. Through a dynamic and exciting year-long programme of activity celebrating our world-class events, festivals, culture and heritage, the year puts Scotland’s culture and creativity in the international spotlight with a focus on cultural tourism and developing the events industry and creative sector in Scotland. More information about the programme can be found at: www.visitscotland.com/creative The Year of Creative Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland and VOCAL